IF YOU go down in the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise – but you certainly won’t be disappointed!

Admittedly we were a little wary as we drove, for what seemed miles along an isolated country track, which seemed a long way from anywhere.

But when we finally arrived at Keldy in the North York Moors National Park we knew our Spring Bank holiday was going to be something extra special.

The Keldy Cabin site is a joint venture between Forest Holidays and the Forestry Commission and offers families, couples and groups the chance to relax, unwind and basically escape from the hubbub of day to day life.

You can’t get a mobile phone signal here, and you need to bring a torch if you want to wander around at night, all you need to worry about is whether to hire bike or simply use “shanks pony” to enjoy the woodland walks and just drink in the stunning scenery.

One thing you certainly don’t need to worry about is the quality of the accommodation or facilities.

Our Golden Oak cabin had everything you could wish for – and more including an outdoor hot tub.

We had two large comfortable bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living space with fitted kitchen, dishwasher, flat screen TV, DVD player and Wii.

It was immaculately presented and the natural and wooden fixtures and fittings continued the strong environmental theme.

The cabins nestle beautifully into the surrounding woodland and have done nothing to deter the native wildlife.

Squirrels and all types of birdlife were regular visitors to the balcony of our cabin, tempted perhaps by my regular offerings of bread and leftovers, but I do feed the birds at home and it was so soothing watching them!

There’s no clubhouse or entertainment at Keldy. But you really wouldn’t want there to be. Traditional wooden games such as quoits are displayed and board games are also available. We thought the “welcome” letters on our cabin Scrabble board were a lovely touch. And most of our evenings were spent playing fives and threes (dominoes) or cards.

The hot tub was a big positive and enjoyed by every member of the family at least once a day in some cases more than that. I was worried we may all start to grow fins or that I might just even metamorphose into a mermaid. The tub was illuminated making it great for evening use. Now we want one at home.

Families can try the range led activities or simply enjoy the set trails around and through the forest which include special badger and owl routes.

Yes we did get lost once, but that was all part of the experience, I enjoyed the walk, and I’m sorry the walk ended up being twice as long as I said.

The film “The Wrong Turn” has a lot to answer for!

The site’s Forest Retreat – the hub of the site – offers check-in facilities, local information, food products, delicious coffee and freshly baked bread each morning.

Our only criticism of the whole site, is that the products are a little pricey. It’s self catering accommodation and you certainly wouldn’t want to buy your week’s shopping there. The donation jar for sweets on the counter was a nice touch though, with all proceeds going to ensure disadvantaged children had access to a holiday on the site.

If you do want to leave the forest for the day, the site isn’t that far from the East Coast and Scarborough, Bridlington, Whitby and Filey are all within comfortable driving distance for a day at the beach.

The lovely market towns of Malton and Pickering with its steam railway are also a short drive away if you want a change of scenery.

Keldy is a fantastic place, an oasis of calm and relaxation and ideal for anyone wanting to get away from it all for a few days. But be warned you may not want to come home!

We realised we really were away from it all and in true British countryside when we encountered a couple of schoolboys, enjoying their break from school by helping their father on his grouse farm.

Although a strict vegetarian myself I had to smile when we asked the boys the name of the cow in the field where they were loading logs into a mini tractor. “Meat” they both stated honestly!

Silver Birch cabin prices start from £154 for a midweek break, £169 for the weekend and £307 for a week.

Golden Oak cabins prices start from £177 for a midweek break, £195 for the weekend and £354 for a week.

All prices based on 4 sharing (cabins for 6 also available).

For details call 0845 130 8223 or visit www.forestholidays.co.uk